VASP Licensing in the UAE & Global Crypto Hubs
Navigating regulatory approvals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Overview
Global Crypto Lawyers, Based in Dubai.
Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) are now regulated across major jurisdictions worldwide. In Dubai, all VASPs must be licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) unless exempt. In the UAE more broadly, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), FSRA (ADGM), DFSA (DIFC), and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) also supervise crypto-related activities. Globally, regulators like MAS (Singapore), ESMA (EU under MiCA), and MFSA (Malta) are leading structured frameworks for licensing.
At CRYPTOVERSE Legal, we help you obtain the right VASP licence for your business model and ensure ongoing compliance with regulator expectations.
Our Expertise in VASP Licensing
We act as your strategic partner through the entire licensing journey:
Pre-Licensing Advisory
- Feasibility analysis
- Jurisdiction comparison (UAE vs. Singapore vs. EU, etc.)
- Regulatory strategy tailored to your activity (exchange, custody, brokerage, token issuance, advisory, lending/borrowing)
Application Preparation
- Drafting and structuring Regulatory Business Plans (RBPs)
- Shareholder & governance documentation
- Fit-and-proper submissions for key persons
- AML/CTF and risk framework alignment
Regulator Engagement
- Managing Q&A with VARA and other regulators
- Responding to clarifications and conditions
- Guiding you from initial approval through to full market product licence
Post-Licensing Compliance
- Ongoing compliance frameworks (AML, custody, cybersecurity, VAPT/TLPT)
- Governance and HR requirements (resident officers, MLRO, compliance officer)
- Annual reporting, supervision fees, and regulatory audits
Why the UAE?
- Dubai (VARA): Activity-based regime, global benchmark rulebooks, fast-growing licensing hub.
- ADGM (FSRA): Comprehensive crypto asset framework, strong fintech ecosystem.
- DIFC (DFSA): Specialised investment token regulation for institutional-grade products.
- CBUAE (Federal): Oversees payment token services (stablecoins) in the UAE.
- SCA (Federal): Regulates crypto activities across the UAE (excluding ADGM & DIFC).
The UAE is unique in having five regulators — we guide you to the right one for your business model.
Global VASP Licensing (Beyond the UAE)
We also support licensing in leading crypto hubs worldwide:
- Singapore (MAS) — Payment Services Act licensing for digital payment tokens.
- EU (MiCA/ESMA) — Unified CASP authorisation with EU passporting across 27 states.
- Malta (MFSA) — Early-mover jurisdiction transitioning to MiCA.
- Hong Kong (SFC) — Virtual Asset Trading Platform regime with custody requirements.
- Other hubs — Mauritius, Cayman Islands, BVI, Bahamas, Seychelles, Malaysia, Bermuda, Nigeria, and South Africa etc.
Key Deliverables
When you choose CRYPTOVERSE Legal, you receive:
- Detailed jurisdictional analysis report.
- Drafted & regulator-ready Regulatory Business Plan.
- AML/CTF manual, Travel Rule compliance framework.
- Governance documents: Board Charter, Compliance Policies, Fit & Proper templates.
- Submission pack + regulator response handling.
Why work with us?
UAE Specialists with Global Reach
Deep knowledge of VARA, SCA, DFSA, FSRA, and CBUAE, plus international regulators.
Regulatory First Approach
All RBPs, AML frameworks, and governance docs built for regulator approval.
End-to-End Service
From jurisdiction selection to post-licence compliance monitoring.
Proven Experience
Track record of advising exchanges, custodians, token issuers, and DeFi platforms through the licensing process.
Ready to obtain your VASP licence?
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